Nick Hostler's parents said they may never know why their son died unexpectedly while working out in late May.

But they believe something good will emerge from their grief.

Friends and family of the special education teacher at McBride Elementary — known as "Mr. Nick" to students — have pulled together to raise money to build a safe, accessible playground for children in south Springfield.

"Our big goal is for anyone with special needs to be able to get onto this playground and play," said Lael Streight, principal of McBride, where the playground will be located. "We want to honor Nick and the dream he had for the inclusive playground."

A "Be Like Nick" 5K and 1-mile fun run Friday at McBride will officially launch the major fundraising effort. Inaugural donations and grants gathered already have reached nearly $20,000.

Streight said more than 350 people have signed up and registration is open through the start of the event. "We are expecting several hundred more."

"What we want to do is start with a whole new inclusive playground," said Nick's dad, Gil Hostler. "He saw value in children playing together because it is learning. It's helping all the students realize they are part of the school."

The dream is as big as the price tag.

Preliminary discussion with playground company GameTime — an option championed by former McBride principal Peggy Riggs — indicate the purchase and installation of all the outdoor equipment will cost between $200,000 and $250,000, depending on the final configuration.

However, supporters won't have to raise the entire amount. GameTime agreed to match all local funds once donations hit the $45,000 threshold.

McBride, which is celebrating its 20th year, is located on 40 acres at Golden Avenue and Weaver Road in southwest Springfield. Of the 500 students enrolled, 30 percent qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a national measure of poverty.

Gil Hostler, Nick's dad(Photo: Bruce E Stidham/STIDZ Media)

"This is all about the community, not one school," said Gil Hostler. "It's so much bigger than playground equipment. It is teaching the culture how to accept and include others."

In partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, McBride is a school park. That means the park, including the playground, is a neighborhood hub used by students during the school day and open to the public on evenings and weekends.

Hostler, a fitness enthusiast who competed nationally as a gymnast, found his purpose after developing a VIP CrossFit program for children with special needs. He designed a workout to help children gain balance, core strength and confidence.

He started his special education career with Springfield Public Schools as a teacher aide or paraprofessional at Delaware Elementary. In 2016, he was hired as the functional skills teacher at McBride, where he referred to students as "my friends."

Nick Hostler, a special education teacher at McBride Elementary, was singled out last year as part of Springfield Public Schools' "Power of 1" employee recognition program.(Photo: McBride Elementary)

Hostler, an advocate for his students, enjoying taking his class on field trips and playing with them so they could more fully participate in school activities.

In late May, shortly after the end of the school year, Hostler collapsed while working out at CrossFit RTB. He was 35.

Streight said Hostler, who recently finished his master's degree in special education at Missouri State University, was vocal about wanting a more accessible outside play area for students who rely on walkers or wheelchairs.

"Our first goal was to get a piece of equipment," she said. "That is what we started out thinking we'd do."

Lael Streight(Photo: File photo)

However, a groundswell of support and the need to reconfigure the existing playground to add paved paths for wheelchairs pushed Streight and others to think bigger. "What we are looking at now is trying to replace what we have and add to that."

Streight said there are a limited number of accessible playgrounds in the community but none near McBride.

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools established a #BeLikeNick fund to accept donations for the project.

"People don't always know about the need," said Natalie Murdock, executive director of the foundation. "But if they know and they have an opportunity, they step up."

She added: "It's a great way to leave a lasting imprint."

Mary Kay Hostler, who spent more than three decades as a teacher and counselor in the Springfield district, said she was overwhelmed by the support.

Nick Hostler, a special education teacher at McBride Elementary, in a first-grade play. He went to practice every day so he was given a speaking part.(Photo: McBride Elementary)

"As a mom, we are humbled and we are honored," she said. "There is no doubt that this is what he would have wanted."

The Hostlers, who have two younger sons, spend a lot of time with their infant grandson, Mason Nicholas Hostler. The baby was born shortly before Nick's death.

They said time with family and friends and the playground project have helped them get by during the grief-filled days.

"I get told that we'll never know the reason," Gil Hostler said of losing Nick. "Eventually we will. But, we are seeing the result and he'd have a big smile on his face."

WANT TO GO?

The "Be Like Nick" 5K and fun run is Friday, Sept. 14 at McBride Elementary. Check-in is at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. start time for the 5K and a 6:30 p.m. start time for the fun run, which is one mile.

The cost is $15 per person to encourage entire families to sign up. For more information, check out the McBride Elementary page on Facebook.

Triumph of the Ozarks is providing strollers for the children of parents who want to be part of the run.

Supporters have also organized a "Be Like Nick" Pickleball Tournament for Oct. 5 at the Twin Oaks Country Club.

WANT TO DONATE?

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will accept donations for the #BeLikeNick project. Gifts designated for the project can be made online at www.supportsps.org and by mail at 1131 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.